Will the Voodoo Lily flower in time?

The voodoo lily in garden 4 has sent out a huge, elongated flower bud that promises to open in time for Sunday. Also known as the Dragon Arum or Vampire Lily, Dranunculus vulgaris is a native of Greece and the Balkans. It is a member of the Arum family, a relative of the famous Titan Arum at the botanic gardens (remember the queues in 2017 to see it flower?). Like the Titan, the spectacular flower has an unmistakable stench, like rotting meat, to attract flies as pollinators. Whether or not the flower unfurls in time, we are in for a treat at number 4, with spectacular cacti, bananas and many more exotic and unusual plants, providing an inspiring display of form and colour. A botanist’s paradise.

This is just one of 17 fascinating gardens. You can discover the sensory garden (number 17), the ancient trees in a calm oasis on the high street (number ?) and the fabulous ponds at numbers 9 and 10 (and many more). How about the barefoot maze at number 2, the clever design of a small space at number 5 or the florists’ paradise at number 11? And spectacular borders in every corner of the villages. So many different gardens, of all shapes and sizes, with so much to offer. Get your programme now and start planning your route!

Photos (c) Rob Hurst